Goalkeeper

Gianluigi Buffon

This season Buffon has restored his reputation as one of the World’s greatest goalkeepers. He endured a torrid previous 12 months, injuries curtailing his involvement with the Bianconeri. He certainly did not lack motivation to return and there is little doubt he is the Gigi of old. As Juventus remained unbeaten throughout Serie A and finished in top spot; Buffon kept 21 clean sheets in 35 appearances. His finest moment this season was an outstanding near-post save from a Diego Forlan header, during Juventus’ 2-0 victory over Internazionale in March. It was a save of pure instinct, displaying that despite being 34 years of age, Buffon’s quality has in no way diminished.

Defence

Stephan Lichsteiner

A stalwart of the Juventus defence, Lichsteiner’s versatility has allowed him to excel this season. With his manager, Antonio Conte, often switching between a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 system, the Swiss defender has played at full-back but also right-midfield. Much like his team, work-rate is what defines Lichsteiner as a player. Providing width in attack, whilst still being in place to make vital interceptions in defence. He has inherited Maicon’s previous title as the League’s most dominant right-back.

Thiago Silva

Silva has been imperious at the heart of Milan’s defence. His reading of the game often leaves him a step-ahead of an attacker, thus allowing him to stay on his feet, rather than dive into a challenge. He is the creative hub of Milan’s side too; starting attacking moves. Very few defenders in the league possess his array of skills. Rumours of a move to Barcelona persist, Milan will struggle to replace him.

Giorgio Chiellini

Giorgio Chiellini the perfect resemblance of the new, modern Juventus. He is the natural successor to Alessandro Del Piero’s captaincy. Operating between central-defence and left-back, the Italian’s form has been crucial to his side only conceding 20 goals in Serie A. He did not complain when forced onto the left, knowing that the team comes before the individual under Conte.

Pablo Armero

It has been yet another stellar season from the Colombian wing-back. After an impressive 2010-11 campaign, Armero helped Udinese to a third place finish in Serie A this season. Despite injuries, he started 25 matches, laying on 12 goals for his team. His link up with Di Natale was sensational at times. Udinese will hope to secure his services for another year, but Europe’s biggest clubs will be linked with his signature.

Midfield

Arturo Vidal

Signed by Juventus for €12.5 million last summer, no-one expected more than a solid performance in Vidal’s debut season. It was thought he would be Pirlo’s ‘water-carrier.’ However, he has been anything but. A determined streak, combined with controlled aggression, allow him to break up opposing attacks, winning the ball and a subsequent swift turnover of possession. He displayed his attacking abilities also, scoring 7 goals and providing 3 assists in 33 league appearances.

Francesco Lodi

Lodi has been central to an impressive campaign for Catania Calcio. Capable of playing deep in midfield, or in a preferred role as a no.10, Lodi’s eye for a pass saw him dictate Catania’s games. In 37 league games, he scored 9 and assisted 7 goals. Can consider himself unlucky not to be considered for national duty this summer.

Claudio Marchisio

Another player who has delivered for the Bianconeri this season. Marchisio has elevated his game to a whole new level. Not as hyped as team-mate Andrea Pirlo, Marchisio provides guile to Juventus’ midfield. He has contributed 9 goals and four assists to their success. His most important goals have included the first in Juve’s opening win against Parma and both goals in a 2-0 victory over AC Milan last October.

Attack

Sebastian Giovinco

The ‘Atomic Ant’ has shown why he is worthy of a reputed €40million price tag. As Parma improved under the stewardship of coach, Roberto Donadoni, Giovinco helped them finish in a lofty 8^th position in Serie A. 15 goals and 13 assists have earned him a place in the Italian national side. He has been linked with a return to Juventus, but Parma will look to fend off interest and keep the play-maker.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Without doubt Serie A’s best player, Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored a career high; 28 goals in 32 appearances, laying on a further 6 for his team-mates. This saw him finish as the League’s Cappocannonieri. Despite AC Milan finishing as runners up, Ibrahimovic will be satisfied with his work and will look to win back the Scudetto next season. His brightest moment came when netting a hat-trick away to Palermo; which saw Milan win at the Stadio Barbera for the first time since 2006.

Antonio Di Natale

The most remarkable inclusion this season, is that of Di Natale. Despite his 34 years of age, he has once more finished as Udinese’s top scorer; helping them qualify for the Champion’s League again. He contributed 23 goals to Udinese’s cause. Such form has left Cesare Prandelli, unable to ignore calls for Toto’s recall to the Azzurri. Amidst rumours he may retire after this summer’s European Championships, the Udinese board must do all they can to convince him to stay for a final season.